XYLOKASTRO, GREECE – A massive wildfire fueled by strong winds ripped through forested areas near the coastal town of Xylokastro in southern Greece, forcing the evacuation of several villages as firefighters battled to contain the blaze.
The fire, which began Thursday afternoon in the village of Rozena, quickly spread through dense vegetation, fanned by winds gusting up to 8 Beaufort. Authorities issued repeated emergency alerts through the 112 system, urging residents in the path of the fire to evacuate towards safer areas.
“We are facing a very difficult situation,” admitted Anastasios Giolis, the Deputy Regional Governor of Corinth. He described the fire’s behavior as “uncontrollable” and confirmed that the fire front had extended over 10 kilometers.
Hundreds of firefighters, supported by water-dropping aircraft and volunteers, worked tirelessly to control the flames. Two construction vehicles from the General Staff of National Defense were also deployed to assist in the effort. Tragically, one fire truck was engulfed by the blaze, though thankfully, the crew escaped unharmed.
As of Friday morning, there were no confirmed reports of homes destroyed, though the fire continued to threaten properties and the environment. The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, held an emergency meeting to coordinate the response efforts.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but authorities have warned that the dry conditions and strong winds have created a high risk for wildfires. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow all safety instructions from authorities.